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Which California Counties Have the Harshest Bail Policies?
Published by Future Bail Bonds | Updated June 12, 2025
In California, where you get arrested can significantly impact how quickly—and affordably—you can post bail. While some counties use pretrial release programs and lower bail schedules, others enforce high minimums and restrict own recognizance (OR) release options.
This article ranks five major counties based on average bail amounts and an original “Bail Harshness Index,” which considers bail cost, average detention time, and accessibility of alternatives.
Average Bail by County
Let’s start with the basic cost comparison. These figures represent typical bail set for common felony charges in each county:
- Los Angeles: $42,000
- Riverside: $37,000
- San Bernardino: $35,000
- Fresno: $31,000
- Orange: $30,000
Counties with higher populations tend to have larger bail schedules—but that doesn’t always translate to harsher practices. That’s where our index comes in.
The Bail Harshness Index
We created a composite score (0 to 100) to reflect how strict or lenient each county is in actual pretrial practice. This includes:
- Average bail amount
- Average time spent in jail before release
- Likelihood of OR or supervised release
| County | Harshness Score (0–100) |
|---|---|
| Fresno | 80 |
| San Bernardino | 75 |
| Los Angeles | 70 |
| Riverside | 65 |
| Orange | 60 |
Fresno County scores highest on the index due to its limited release programs and longer average detention times—even though its bail schedule is lower than L.A.’s. Orange County ranks lowest (more lenient) due to wider use of citations and supervised release options.
Why This Matters
Understanding regional differences in bail enforcement helps families, attorneys, and reform advocates navigate the system more effectively. It also pressures counties with stricter policies to reconsider bail schedules that may disproportionately affect working-class or vulnerable populations.
Need Help Posting Bail in a Strict County?
Future Bail Bonds serves every major California county, offering fast release options and 0% financing plans (on approved credit). No matter where your case is, we’re here to help.
Call 714-515-5154 or visit FutureBailBonds.com 24/7.
